The gravel quarry on a hillside below the Issaquah Highlands, plus land adjacent to the highlands, could someday transform into businesses and homes, if city leaders approve a long-term agreement to redevelop the site.

The landowner and quarry operator, Issaquah-based Lakeside Industries Inc., proposed a 30-year development agreement last year for about 120 acres on both sides of Highlands Drive Northeast. The proposed pact is scheduled to reach the City Council on Dec. 17, as officials consider a plan to remake the area.

The land under consideration is zoned for mineral resources and single-family residences. The development agreement could change the designation on some areas to urban village, the same rules used for the highlands and Talus.

The fire engine — decked out in blinking lights, reindeer and a sleigh, and a holiday banner — heads to Endeavour Elementary School on Wednesday and then, on Sunday, to Four Lakes, Mirrormont, and other communities in May Valley and on Tiger Mountain.

Residents can donate food and toys Sunday as volunteers from Fire Station 76 on Tiger Mountain drive the Reindeer Engine travels through the communities near Issaquah from 5:30-7 p.m.

Residents in unincorporated areas can meet leaders and discuss plans for upcoming projects at a King County open house soon.

The event is for residents in the Four Creeks/Tiger Mountain Community Service Area — a rural stretch bordered by Issaquah and Interstate 90 on the north and Renton to the west.

The open house offers the public a chance to offer feedback on the community service area program — or dividing unincorporated areas into districts for administrative purposes — and proposed work plans for next year. Participants can discuss community priorities, speak with program staff members, and learn about county programs and services.

Residents in unincorporated areas can meet leaders and discuss plans for upcoming projects at a King County open house soon.

The event is for residents in Four Creeks/Tiger Mountain Community Service Area — a rural stretch bordered by Issaquah and Interstate 90 on the north and Renton to the west.

The open house offers the public a chance to offer feedback on the community service program and proposed work plans for next year. Participants can discuss community priorities, speak with program staff members, and learn about county programs and services.

Deputy County Executive Fred Jarrett and County Councilman Reagan Dunn plan to attend.

Forget about cutting a fresh Christmas tree or pine boughs in Tiger Mountain State Forest or on other state lands.

The state Department of Natural Resources does not sell holiday greenery from state trust lands; agency officials limit timber harvests and foraging. The agency manages the public lands, and under state law, timber harvests must benefit public schools, universities and other state institutions.

Soon after a pipe burst, a deluge of generosity descended on Judith Tetzlaff’s home.

In early November, a pipe burst in the bathroom at the Tiger Mountain mobile home Tetzlaff and her sister share. The estimated repair expense from the unexpected problem strained the sisters’ limited incomes.

“If you have any kind of unexpected expense, there goes either the repair or the groceries,” Tetzlaff said.

State agencies encourage holiday shoppers to consider a Discover Pass as a gift for family and friends interested in the outdoors.

Officials added a feature recently to allow purchasers to choose the pass’ start date. The option is available to customers who purchasing the pass at www.discoverpass.wa.gov, or in person from authorized retailers through the Washington Interactive Licensing Database, or WILD, system.

Issaquah-area residents received more than $3,700 in King County grants to host a National Night Out event and map rural areas between Issaquah and Renton, leaders announced Nov. 14.

Officials awarded $60,000 in grants for disaster preparedness, neighborhood cleanup, tourism promotion and other activities in unincorporated communities countywide. Overall, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced 24 Community Engagement Grants.

The grants amount to less than $5,000 apiece, and each community must match at least 25 percent of total project cost. Officials said the grants offer residents in unincorporated areas a chance to participate more in community activities.

The county awarded a $1,254.50 grant to residents in the Four Creeks/Tiger Mountain area to produce a National Night Out program, plus a $2,500 grant to create maps and conduct spatial analysis for community planning.

The state Recreation Conservation Office recommended Tiger Mountain trail development — and more than 100 projects statewide — as priority projects for grants, proponents announced last month.

Funding for the Tiger Mountain trails and other projects hinges on dollars for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, a program established to conserve land and waterways.

If the $320,000 grant for Tiger Mountain is funded, the state Department of Natural Resources can develop two trails or about five miles overall in east Tiger Mountain State Forest. The project requires a $137,200 match from the Department of Natural Resources.

Overall, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced 24 Community Engagement Grants. Officials said the grants offer residents in unincorporated areas a chance to participate more in community activities.

The county awarded $1,254.50 to residents in the Four Creeks/Tiger Mountain area to produce a National Night Out program.

Four Creeks/Tiger Mountain residents also received a $2,500 grant to create maps and conduct spatial analysis for community planning.